He was well known for his theatre appearances, and for playing the lead in The Man from Snowy River.
[1] While in Australia, he worked for every major theatre management in the country.
He came out of retirement to play the role in The Man from Snowy River.
[4] In September 1920, a benefit was held for him to recover from "a long and gruelling illness".
[5] Mackay died in 1923 of a heart attack following influenza, leaving behind a widow and three children.